Senior Director - Connectivity Systems and Software – Lunar Permanence

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit. To further Blue Origin's mission of having millions of people living and working in space, we are building the sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the Lunar Surface.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will be responsible for overseeing the development, integration, and deployment of advanced radio and antenna systems critical for lunar communication and exploration. You will lead a team of engineers and developers to create robust communication solutions that ensure reliable data transfer and connectivity in the harsh lunar environment.

NOTE: This role will be located out of the greater San Francisco Bay Area (CA). We are working on a physical address now but all applicants must be either local or willing to relocate for this opportunity.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of engineers, software developers, and other technical experts.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture focused on achieving excellence in connectivity solutions.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan for the design, development, and deployment of radio and antenna systems.
• Align team objectives with the broader goals of the Lunar Permanence Business Unit and Blue Origin’s mission.
• Provide technical leadership for the end-to-end lifecycle of connectivity systems, including requirement definition, system design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for space communication systems.
• Oversee the progress of multiple projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Implement best practices for project management, risk assessment, and quality control.
• Drive innovation in communication technologies and techniques to solve complex challenges of lunar environment.
• Lead R&D initiatives to explore new connectivity solutions and maintain Blue Origin at the forefront of space communication technology.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including other departments, contractors, and governmental bodies.
• Communicate project status, technical challenges, and strategic decisions to executive leadership and other relevant parties.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in connectivity systems, radio engineering, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading the development of advanced communication systems, preferably within the aerospace or space exploration sector.
• Strong technical background in RF systems, antenna design, and communication protocols.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and drive large-scale projects to completion.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion 
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) is highly preferred.
• Experience with space communication standards (e.g., NASA, ESA)
• Familiarity with lunar mission requirements and challenges.
• Proven track record of innovation and successful R&D initiatives.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. 

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Inclusivity Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Benefits

Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.